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Charlene Wittstock, Global Ambassador

Princess of Monaco, Former Olympic Swimmer

About Princess Wittstock

Charlene Wittstock is an Olympic and World Champion swimmer from South Africa. As a child, she developed a passion for swimming and, in 1996, at 18, won her first South African Championship. Four years later she qualified for the 2000 Olympic Games as a member of the South African 4x100m medley relay team, which placed fifth. In 2002, she won three gold medals at the swimming World Cup in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, and 4x100m medley relay. She retired from swimming in 2007. Growing up in Africa heightened her awareness of the challenges affecting impoverished children. She is currently involved with numerous humanitarian organizations. She is the Honorary President of Ladies Lunch Monte-Carlo, an associate of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Global Ambassador for Special Olympics. Additionally, she has become involved in the charitable works of her husband, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. An avid surfer and hiker, Wittstock enjoys reading biographies, ethnic South African poetry, and studying contemporary art. She and Prince Albert met in 2000 at a swim meet in Monaco, where he was presiding over the international competition.